Apparatus for applying lettering and designs



Aug. 7, 1956 E. c. SCHOECH 2,757,608

APPARATUS FOR APPLYING LETTERING AND DESIGNS Filed Nov. '4. 1950CELEB-.1.

INVENTOR. [RNEST' C. Scuoecu A 7' TORNE'Y APPARATUS FOR APPLYINGLETTERING AND DESIGNS Ernest C. Schoech, Garden City, Mich.

Application November 4, 1950, Serial No. 194,131

Claims. (Cl. 101128.2)

This invention relates generally to a method and means for applyinglettering and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a mask and amethod for using the same in applying lettering or other indicia onvehicle bodies and the like with sprayed paint.

At the present time, it is customary to paint names and otheridentifying and-advertising indicia on the bodies of vehicles, such astrucks, without the aid of any mask or similar device. It is desirablethat such indicia or design be highly uniform and neat, particularlywhen the same indicia is to be used on large fleets of trucks. It isalso necessary that such method of applying the indicia be inexpensive,quick and easy.

Previously, attempts have been made to apply these designs to vehiclebodies with the aid of stencils or, similar devices which required theuse of ties to hold the center of the lettersin place or with the aid ofa silk screen to print or paint directly upon the vehicle body. Stenoilsfor this purpose have had the disadvantage that the ties necessary tointerconnect central portions of letters and the like must be removedbefore painting or the painted letters must be subsequently retouched tocover the unpainted areas caused by the ties. The silk screen method isentirely impractical and unsatisfactory for use on a curvate surface orsurfaces having irregularities, such as rivet heads and the like.

, 2,757,608 Patented Aug. 7, 1956 had to the accompanying drawingsforming a part of this specification wherein like reference .charactersdesignate corresponding parts in the several views.

In the drawings: m

Fig. l is a plan view of a mask embodying the features of the presentinvention, looking in the direction of the adhesive coated side of themask.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig.l.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a mask embodying the features of thepresent invention shown applied to a sur- It is, accordingly, animportant object of this invention to provide a quick, easy andeconomical method and mask to aid in applying lettering and otherindicia on surfaces, such as on the bodies of commercial vehicles.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mask or similar deviceprovided with the desired lettering .or

characterized by its durability so that a relatively large stock ofmasks may be produced at one time without fear of deterioration of themasks prior to their ultimate use. t

Another object is to provide a method and mask therefor in which thefinished lettering or other indicia produced in accordance withthisinvention have a high quality and uniformity, and more particularly,in which the edges of the painted areas of the design are smoothandneven, such as is essential when painting designs and advertisingmatter onfleets of commercial vehicles.

Another object of this invention is to provide a method and masktherefore which may be used with excellent results without requiringhighly skilled labor.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following descriptionand appended claims, reference being faceto be painted, the backingmember being illustrated partially removed from the adhesive coatedportions of the mask preparatory to painting the surface.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a surface which has been painted in accordancewith the present invention, the mask shown in Figs. l3 inclusive beingalready removed.

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is tobeunderstoodthat the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated .in theaccompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Alsoit is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitations Themethod of applying lettering or other indicia to a surface in accordancewith the present invention comprises generally the application of a maskto the surface to be painted; removing the backing member of the mask toexpose portions of the surface to be painted and leaving other parts ofthe mask on the surface to cover and protect the adjacent portions ofthe surface; painting, such as by spraying, the exposed areas of thesurface; and subsequently, removing the remaining parts of the mask fromthe painted surface, such as by a suitable solvent.

The aboveimethod involves the use of a novel mask which comprises aplurality of plies including a backing memberformed preferably of waxpaper or similar material, a layer of a coating composition covering atleast portions of the wax paper and adapted to adhere to a limitedextent to the surface of the wax paper, and a layer of adhesive on thecoating composition covering at least portions of the coated layer andhaving a configuration such that its outline defines exposed areastherein which, when painted, will form the desired lettering or otherindicia. The materials forming the various layers are such that when theadhesive part of the mask is placed against and adheres to a surface tobe painted and-the backing member is subsequently removed, the adhesivelayer will remove and free the contacting portions of the coatingcomposition layer. The outline of the adhesive layer 'and the remainingouter coating of the so-removed coating composition layer thus form thedesired design, the coating composition being substantially imperviousto the subsequently applied paint and thus prevents paint from coming insurface contact with the adhesive and the covered surface.

With particular reference to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, a mask 10 isshown embodying the features of the present invention and comprises abacking member 12 formed of wax paper or similar material, and a layer14 of a coating composition adapted to adhere to the wax paper to'alimited extent. The mask 10 also includes a layer 16 on the coatingcomposition layer 14 ofadhesive material and having a configuration suchthat its outline forms the word CAB. It will be noted that the letter Cis formed by the adhesive material so that when painted, the letter isformed by the outline of the painted area 20 (see Fig. 4), whereas theletters A and B are formed by the outline of the adhesive material andthus,

3. the exposed areas are in the form of the desired letters. The backingmember-12 may be formed of any suitable material which will adhere, atleast to a limited extent, to the coating composition 14 and willrelease the portion of the coating composition which is in contact withthe adhesive upon removal of the same from the surface 18 to be painted.The backing member 12 is preferably transparent so as to permit a visualcheck on the removal of the desired portions of the mask duringapplication thereof and to facilitate joining separate masks when thedesign is of sutficient proportions to warrant the use of a plurality ofcomposite masks. As mentioned above, wax paper has been foundsatisfactory as a backing member.

The coating composition 14 for the backing member 12 is formed fromshellac, powdered starch and a volatile solvent, such as alcohol. Tothese compositions is preferably added a small quantity of coloring tomake the coating visible and to aid in the satisfactory application ofthe mask to the surface 18 to be painted.

, It is advisable to mix only the required amount of the coatingcomposition solution which is desired for immediate use, since themixture will deteriorate in solution. However, when it is applied to thewax paper, the solvent quickly evaporates and the remaining layer willretain its desired properties indefinitely. Thus, coated paper may bemade up considerably before its ultimate use.

The starch serves many important functions in this coating composition.It increases the brittleness of the coating when dry such that, when thebacking member is removed, the portions of the coating compositionadhering to the adhesive breaks cleanly and evenly along the designoutline. This provides a smooth, even-painted design. Thestarch-containing coating dries with a dull, relatively rough finish,thus assuring an intimate surface adherence with the adhesive layer. Thestarch also assists in penetration of the coating so as to permit waterto contact the adhesive prior to painting the exposed surface.

The alcohol in the coating composition, such as methyl alcohol, providesa suitable solvent for the starch and shellac and is sufiicientlyvolatile so that the time required for drying the coating compositionlayer is minimized and the alcohol vapors, during vaporization, tend toleave small surface voids in the layer to improve its surface contactwith the subsequently applied adhesive.

The following is an example of a suitable composition for the coatinglayer:

Example I Shellac lb- 1 Methyl alcohol (95% by weight) gal 1 Powderedstarch lb- 1 The above ingredients are mixed thoroughly, 'such as bystirring at room temperature, and the resultant solution is applied in athin coating to the backing material, as for example with a camels-hairbrush. The coating is then permitted to dry.

The following other coating compositions have been found suitable forthe present invention:

Starch "ounces" 7 Example V Shellac (3 lbs/gal. alcohol solution)pint..- l Ethyl alcohol (70% by wt.) -..pints 2 Starch -ounces..- 7

Example VI Shellac (3 lbs/gal. alcohol solution) pint l Denaturedalcohol by wt.) "pints" 2.5 Starch ounces- 7 Example VII Shellac (3lbs/gal. alcohol solution) pintl Ethyl, alcohol (70% by wt.) pints 2Powdered chalk --ounces..- 7

It has been found that in using one pint of shellacalcohol solutioncontaining three (3) pounds of shellac/gallon of solution, theadditional alcohol may be varied between about 1 pint and 3 pintswithout adversely affecting the quality of the coating. The range ofconcentration for the starch is approximately 5 ounces to 14 ouncesusing the same quantity of shellac.

A suitable adhesive in accordance with the present in vention comprisesgelatin, sugar, dextrin, glycerin, water and, if desired, a smallportion of coloring matter. The color is normally desired to aid indetecting any defects which may occur in applying the printed adhesiveand preferably contrasts with the color used for the coatingcomposition.

The relative proportions of the various ingredients may vary to someextent, depending primarily on the particular conditions of temperatureand humidity. Both gelatin and sugar absorb, water, and, in general, theconcentration of either gelatin or sugar may be varied to provide asatisfactory adhesive for varying atmospheric conditions. Generally, theglycerin concentration is varied. From 5 to 15 per cent of glycerin isnormally a sufficient range to compensate for most atmosphericvariations. In a hot and dry climate, a greater percentage of glycerinis most desirable, whereas in a cool or humid climate, a lesser amountis generally preferred.

The following is an example in parts by volume and percentage by weightof a suitable adhesive for use with the present invention:

Example VIII Parts by Percent Vol. (by wt.)

The above ingredients may be compounded by first thoroughly mixing thegelatin and sugar while in the dry state. Twelve (12) parts of hot waterand three (3) parts of glycerin are then stirred into the dry gelatinand sugar mixture. The 24 parts of dextrin is then dissolved in four (4)parts of cold water, forming a thick paste, and the remaining three (3)parts of glycerin is mixed with this paste. The two separate solutionsare then mixed together and stirred into a homogeneous mixture. Thecolor is then added to the adhesive mixture.

The above composition should be heated for approximately 15 minutes withoccasional stirring. A vessel such as a double boiler is especiallysuited for this purpose.

The above composition contains an extra amount of water to facilitatethe mixing procedure and to allow for loss by evaporation while heating.

The gelatin in the above composition may be varied from about 3 to about9 parts depending upon the pastimlar atmospheric conditions under whichthe adhesive is to be used.

The. adhesive is subsequently painted on the coated backing member byany of the known methods, such as a silk screen method, and is permittedto dry to thedesired tackiness. The adhesive will remain in thiscondition over long periods of time. If it is desired to use the maskshortly after the application of the adhesive, the latter may be rapidlydrieclby directing a current of warm air over the same.

The coloring matter suitable in the above composition is preferablywater soluble and may be of the commercial show card type.

The above adhesive is an idealmedium for. printing. It does not creep orrun and thus prints with clean, sharp outlines that remain exactly asapplied to the coated backing member. -The adhesive is free of fibrousorstringy matter, in contrast to most adhesives, which matter isunsatisfactory for this purpose, since it normally mars the outline ofthe printed matter and prevents obtaining sharp, clean painted letters.When using a silk screen for. the printing, it does not clog the meshand works with ease through the mesh. In addition, there is no fear ofdamage to the screen, since water will readily and easily removethe'adhesive when desired. The above adhesive is also highly useful,since it maybe manufactured in large quantities substantially in advanceof its ultimate use. It is very stable against fermentation and otherdeteriorating actions over long periods of time. Also, it may be storedin an open container at moderate temperatures.

The following are additional examples in per cent by weight of suitableadhesive compositions useful in the present invention:

Example IX Per cent Dextrin 42 Water 30 Glycerin 8 Gelatin 6 Sucrose 14Example X 1 Per cent Dextrin 39 Water 43 Glycerin 7 Gelatin 11 ExampleXI Y Per cent Dextrin 44 Water 18 Glycerin 8 Sucrose 30 The abovecomposition has fair printing qualities with a silk screen and goodtransfer qualities at approximately 70 F. and 65% relative humidity.However, the composition was found to be excessively wet at somewhathigher humidities. Also, the cohesive ability of the film or the abilityof the coating composition film to hold together during transfer isrelatively poor without the aid of gelatin.

Example XII Per cent Dextrin 31 Water 39 Glycerin l2 Gelatin 8 SucroseExample XIII Per cent Dextrin 32 Water 37 Glycerin 7 Gelatin 8 Glucose16 In using a mask made in accordance with the above method, the mask ispositioned in the desired place on the surface to be painted and thetacky adhesive side of the mask is pressed against the surface.

A rubber roller or similar tool may be rolled over the outer surface ofthe mask and pressures applied thereto to insure intimate contactbetween the surface to be painted. and the entire adhesive coated.portions of the mask. I

To remove the backing member along with the portions of coated layer notin contact with the adhesive, it is generally preferable to loosen oneedge of the mask and peel the same toward the opposite edge thereof, asshown in Fig. 3 of'the drawings. While the layer of coating compositiongenerally breaks cleanly and evenly along the entire border or outlineof the adhesive layer, should portions thereof remain over the areawhich should be exposed, such portion may be readily removed by rubbingwith a soft cloth without inany way disturbing the adhesive coatedportion of the mask.- I

Before painting the exposed area," the remaining portions of the maskare preferablypartially saturated with water, such as by placing a dampsheet of paper against the mask for a short time, generally forapproximately five minutes. While the adhesive coating is water soluble,the coating composition layer prevents dissolution thereof. The mask,after partial saturation, is very'soft and pliable. The mask retains themoisture for relatively long periods of time while the moisture on theexposed area quickly evaporates. The mask is then ready for painting,such as with a spray gun or similar device.

After the exposed areas have been painted and the paint is dried, themask with portions of paint thereon,

may be readily removed by simply wiping or washing the same.

While the mask of the present invention has been described for useprimarily in painting letters or designs on surfaces, such as the bodiesof commercial trucks or the like, the mask is not limited in any .way tothis use, but instead, is suitable for extensive and varied useswherever it is desired to reproduce designs andindicia of like nature.Moreover, the mask is not limited to use with sprayed paint, although itis particularly suited. to this purpose. i

It is believed apparent from the foregoing that the mask disclosedherein permits a'quick, easy and economical means for applying letteringand other indicia on surfaces, such for example as onthe bodies ofcommercial trucks and the like. The mask disclosed herein is immediatelyready for the application of painta fter the backing member is,removedand the remaining portions thereof are wetted, since the maskdoes not require the use of special interconnecting, ties to .hold innerportions of letters and the like. The mask may be manufactured in largequantities a substantial period prior to their ultimate use, since boththe coating composition layer and the adhesive layer are very stableagainst atmospheric deterioration.

Due to the brittleness and other inherent qualities of the coatingcomposition, the mask will aid in the production of high quality,uniform painted signs and the like, since the coating breaks cleanly andsharply from the wax paper backing member along the outline of theadhesive layer while adhering intimately to those portions of thebacking member that are not covered with adhesive. For the abovereasons, the mask may be applied and the desired indicia painted onsurfaces by relatively unskilled labor.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A masking device for applying indicia to a surface comprising a waxpaper backing member, a coating layer covering at least a portion ofsaid backing member, said coating layer being formed from a solutioncomprising:

Shellac lb 1 Powdered starch lb 1 Methyl alcohol (95% by weight) gal land an adhesive layer covering at least a portion of said coating layerand having a configuration whereby the outline thereof forms the desiredindicia, said adhesive consisting of the following in approximatepercentage by weight:

Gelatin 6.6 Sugar 8.9 Dextrin 26.5 Glycerin 15.1 Water 40.4 Color 2.5

the bond between said coating layer and said adhesive layer beingsubstantially greater than the bond between said backing member and saidcoating layer.

2. A masking device for applying indicia to a surface comprising a waxpaper backing member, a coating layer covering at least a portion ofsaid backing member, said coating layer being formed from a solutioncomprising approximately:

Shellac (3 lbs/gal. alcohol solution) pint 1 Powdered starch "oz-.. Sl4Alcohol pints l-3 and an adhesive layer covering at least a portion ofsaid coating layer and having a configuration whereby the outlinethereof forms the desired indicia, said adhesive consisting of thefollowing in approximate percentage by weight:

Gelatin 6-11 Sugar -30 Dextrin 31-44 Glycerin 7-12 Water 18-43 the bondbetween said coating layer and said adhesive layer being substantiallygreater than the bond between said backing member and said coatinglayer.

3. A masking device for applying indicia to a surface, comprising abacking member, a coating layer covering and adhering to at least aportion of the surface of said backing member, and an adhesive layercovering at least a portion of said coating layer and having a preformedconfiguration whereby the outline thereof forms the desired indicia, thebond between said coating layer and said adhesive layer beingsubstantially greater than the bond between said backing member and saidcoating layer so that the adhesive layer with a portion of the coatinglayer thereon may be applied directly to the surface and remain incontact therewith when the backing member is removed along with theportion of the coating layer not in contact with the adhesive layer,said coating layer being formed from a solution comprising shellac,starch and a volatile solvent therefor.

4. A masking device for applying indicia to a surface. comprising abacking member, a coating layer covering and adhering to at least aportion of the surface of said backing member, and an adhesive layercovering at least a portion of said coating layer and having a preformedconfiguration whereby the outline thereof forms the desired indicia, thebond between said coating layer and said adhesive layer beingsubstantially greater than the bond between said backing member and saidcoating layer so that the adhesive layer with a portion of the coatinglayer thereon may be applied directly to the surface and remain incontact therewith when the backing member is removed along with theportion of the coating layer not in contact with the adhesive layer,said coating layer being formed from a solution comprising:

Shellac "lb... 1 Methyl alcohol gal l Powdered starch lb 1 5. A maskingdevice for applying indicia to a surface, comprising a backing member, acoating layer covering and adhering to at least a portion of the surfaceof said backing member, and an adhesive layer covering at least aportion of said coating layer and having a preformed configurationwhereby the outline thereof forms the desired indicia, the bond betweensaid coating layer and said adhesive layer being substantially greaterthanthe bond between said backing member and said coating layer so thatthe adhesive layer with a portion of the coating layer thereon may beapplied directly to the surface and remain in contact therewith when thebacking member is removed along with the portion of the coating layernot in contact with the adhesive layer, said coating layer being formedfrom a solution comprising approximately:

Shellac (3 lbs/gal. alcohol solution) pint 1 Powdered starch "oz..- 5-14Alcohol -pints l-3 References Cited in the file of this patent UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 502,163 Apple July 25, 1893 809,068 Lichtenstein Jan. 2,1906 906,499 Aukerman Dec. 15, 1908 1,240,934 Butl'ington Sept. 25, 19171,562,228 Grange Nov. 17, 1925 1,617,945 Grimm Feb. 15, 1927 1,744,870Davis Jan. 28, 1930 1,781,834 D'Autremont Nov. 18, 1930 2,025,457Kavanaugh Dec. 24, 1935 2,175,364 Rugenstein Oct. 10, 1939 2,195,926Hoskins Apr. 2, 1940

1. MASKING DEVICE FOR APPLYING INDICIA TO A SURFACE COMPRISING A WAXPAPER BACKING MEMBER, A COATING LAYER COVERING AT LEAST A PORTION OFSAID BACKING MEMBER, SAID COATING LAYER BEING FORMED FROM A SOLUTIONCOMPRISING: